How Do You Remove An Old Broan Bathroom Fan Motor

How to Remove an Old Broan Bathroom Fan Motor

Bathroom exhaust fans play a vital role in removing excess moisture and odors, preventing mold growth and preserving the integrity of bathroom fixtures. Over time, these fans can wear out, requiring motor replacement. This article provides a comprehensive guide to removing an old Broan bathroom fan motor, facilitating a smooth and efficient replacement process.

Safety Precautions

Before beginning any electrical work, safety should be the top priority. Taking the following precautions can prevent accidents:

Turn off the power: Locate the circuit breaker that controls the bathroom fan and switch it off. Using a non-contact voltage tester, double-check the wires leading to the fan to confirm the power is off.
Use protective gear: Wear safety glasses to protect eyes from debris and dust.
Have a helper: Having an extra set of hands can be beneficial, especially when maneuvering the fan housing.

Accessing the Fan Motor

Accessing the fan motor involves navigating the various components of the bathroom fan assembly. Here’s a step-by-step approach:

Remove the grille: Most Broan grilles are held in place by clips or screws. Gently pry the grille away from the ceiling or wall, taking care not to break the plastic.
Detach the light lens (if applicable): If your fan includes a light fixture, remove the lens covering the bulb. This usually involves twisting or unclipping the lens.
Remove the light bulb(s): Unscrew and remove any light bulbs present in the fixture.
Detach the fan housing: The fan housing is typically secured to the ceiling joists with screws. Locate and remove these screws, carefully lowering the housing to gain access to the motor.

Disconnecting the Wiring

Once the housing is accessible, the next step is to disconnect the wiring. This requires careful attention to detail to ensure proper reconnection later:

Label the wires: Before disconnecting any wires, use masking tape or a permanent marker to label each wire according to its function (e.g., black to black, white to white, ground to ground). This will simplify the re-wiring process.
Photograph the wiring: Take a clear photograph of the wiring configuration before disconnecting anything. This will serve as a visual reference during reassembly.
Disconnect the wires: Carefully disconnect the wires from the motor housing, using needle-nose pliers if necessary. Note that some connections may use wire nuts, while others may have quick-connect terminals.

Removing the Motor

The motor is usually attached to the fan housing with screws or clips. The specific method varies slightly depending on the Broan model:

Locate the mounting screws or clips: Carefully examine the motor assembly to identify the screws or clips securing it to the housing.
Remove the screws or clips: Use a screwdriver or pliers to remove the screws or disengage the clips, freeing the motor from the housing.
Detach the fan blade: The fan blade is connected to the motor shaft. Usually, a set screw secures the blade. Loosen this set screw and carefully pull the fan blade off the shaft.
Remove the motor: Once the screws, clips and fan blade are removed, carefully pull the motor away from the housing.

Important Considerations for Specific Broan Models

While the general process outlined above applies to most Broan bathroom fans, specific models may have unique features or require slightly different techniques. Consulting the manufacturer's instructions for your specific model is highly recommended.

Integrated housing units: Some Broan fans are integrated into the housing unit, requiring more extensive disassembly to access the motor.
Snap-in motors: Certain models employ snap-in motors, which can be removed without tools.
Wiring variations: Wiring configurations may vary between models. Always double-check the wiring diagram specific to your fan.

Preparing for Motor Replacement

Once the old motor is removed, take the opportunity to clean the fan housing and blades. This ensures optimal performance of the new motor:

Clean the housing: Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove dust and debris from the interior of the fan housing.
Clean the fan blades: Wipe the fan blades with a damp cloth to remove any accumulated dust or grime.
Inspect the ductwork: While the housing is down, take a moment to inspect the ductwork for any obstructions or leaks. Address these issues before installing the new motor.